The name of the organisation is Zen-Shin. The style of Karate practiced is Shotokan Karate and contact Karate the Z.S.K.A has currently almost 300 members Zen-Shin is a member of the English Karate Federation (EKF.), which is the only Karate Governing Body recognized by the Sports Council.

OBJECTIVES.

1. Zen-shin promotes the sport and practice of Karate in the true sense of Martial arts.
2. To organize, regulate and control the sport and practice of Karate.
3. To affiliate, assist and co-operate with and support national and international organisations having objectives approved by the E.K.G.B.
4. To provide members with such service and support as may be available through their membership of the Zen-shin Association.

ZEN-SHIN OFFICIALS

Chairman & Chief instructor Kyoshi J. Richards, 7th Dan

Secretary: Mrs M. Richards, 3rd Dan
Deputy Chief Instructor Sensei L. Graham, 6th Dan
Association Referee: Kyoshi J. Richards, 7th Dan
Association Co-ordinator Sensei P. Wright 3rd Dan
Secretary Licence Officer Sensei P. Wright 3rd Dan

CLUB MEMBERSHIP

Each student, on joining, must become a member of the Karate Club they wish to train at. An application form can be obtained from the club secretary.
On applying for club membership the student must obtain a white karate suit
(gi) and a Z.S.K.A. cloth badge from the secretary.
Students enjoy many benefits, including the following:
• INSTRUCTORS' COURSES
• BLACK AND BROWN BELT COURSES
• KATA & AND KUMITE COURSES
• REFEREES' & JUDGES' COURSES
• SQUAD TRAINING COURSES

The ZSKA has worked with many establishment bodies over the years to develop standards and guidelines to help ensure that its instructors teach in a safe and professional manner. These include:
• A tailored First Aid approved by the Red Cross
• Approved Guidelines for Teaching Children with the Child Protection in Sport Unit
• Registered with the Criminal Records Bureau providing the facility for its members to be police-checked.
Can anyone train with the ZSKA
Karate can be practiced by men, women and children. Our students range from the very young to senior citizens. Anyone who is in reasonable health can train in karate. Karate students will improve their health, self-awareness, self-confidence and self-esteem. Parents and teachers continually report on the improvement in the behaviour of children who train regularly at ZSKA clubs. This is because of our disciplined training structure and the emphasis placed on good etiquette.

The costs of training with the ZSKA
Karate is a reasonably inexpensive pursuit. The ZSKA club fees are low compared to many other sports and hobbies. The main equipment needed is a Karate suit and belt.
Shin pads and sparing mitts. Members also need to purchase an annual ZSKA licence.

ZSKA Members Licence
This means that all our students’ grades are nationally recognised and can enter national competitions in both Kata and Kumite (fighting) and potentially represent the country in the national squad.

ZSKA Instructors
ZSKA clubs are under the instruction of qualified Black Belts who are provided with the opportunity to attend numerous training courses dealing with all aspects of Karate and other skills such as first-aid, club administration, instruction skills (for all levels and ages), nutrition, anatomy and flexibility. Standards are maintained by the ZSKA Technical Committee whose members range from 6th to 7th Dan.

The benefits of Karate training
The physical training required to reach a high level of skill in Karate promotes overall good health, fitness and well-being. The concentration, commitment and dedication required, help build a strong, confident and determined character. There is a ‘Dojo Kun’, or training code, which not only ensures a disciplined training environment, but serves as a tool for improving behaviour, so that a true Karateka will only use their fighting skills as a last resort.

What is involved in ZSKA training
Training is structured into three main sections - Kihon (fundamental techniques), Kata (formal exercises) and Kumite (sparring). Each section has a range of complexity to suit the different levels or grades of students. Kumite will be introduced as basic blocking and counter-attacking, but will progress to free-sparring which develops the timing, reflexes and co-ordination necessary for self defence and competition.

ZSKA competitions
Karate is an exciting and challenging sport. The ZSKA has competed Internationally since 1980 and has achieved numerous World and European titles in both team and individual events. There are club and Regional events for all ages and grades, with opportunities for selection to the ZSKA English, and British Squads.

ZSKA Gradings
ZSKA students are entitled to take grading examinations after set periods of training. The gradings are conducted by Senior Examiners, and there is a grading syllabus for all levels. Coloured belts are used to denote grades.

There are 9 grades for Senior students below Black Belt level. These are known as Kyu grades. 9th Kyu (orange belt) being the lowest and 1st Kyu, (brown and 2 white stripes), the highest. It will usually take a student 3 and a half years to accomplish their first Black belt, however all students are different and are treated as individuals.

Children (under 12 years) have an extended syllabus which includes 17 grades before they are eligible to achieve their first Black belt. This allows for the student to mature both physically and mentally before reaching the Black belt level. It also means that very young children can benefit from the discipline of Karate training. There are special classes for children as young as 4 years.

Achieving a ZSKA Black Belt
There are 9 levels of Black belt or Dan grades, starting at 1st Dan. Students can achieve 1st Dan standard in 3 to 4 years, with regular training and instruction. It then takes a minimum of 2 more years to achieve 2nd Dan, 3 years to 3rd Dan etc - which means that all Technical Committee members - all 6th Dan and above - will have at least 25 years Karate experience.

How can an Individual join the ZSKA
Individuals may become members of the ZSKA by joining a ZSKA club and purchasing a ZSKA licence. All ZSKA clubs will be able to supply the appropriate information and licence application forms. This licence gives the holder access to ZSKA facilities and provides appropriate insurance cover. The ZSKA insurers provide cover to new ZSKA club members to train at a ZSKA club for up to 3 occasions in order to allow them time to apply for and receive a licence.

How can a club join the ZSKA
Clubs may apply for affiliation of the ZSKA by contacting the ZSKA Administration Office.

The minimum grade for a regular ZSKA Instructor is lst Dan. This is in order to maintain a high technical standard. In certain cases an exception can be made to this rule, on application to the Technical Committee, via the Affiliation Officer.

In the case of a club transferring from another Shotokan organisation, all members will be allowed to retain their present grade but must re-grade under a ZSKA Examiner within 12 months. They may try for the next grade but will be awarded a grade appropriate to ZSKA standards.

In the case of a club transferring from another style organisation, the same rule will apply, though the minimum and maximum periods may be extended on advice from the Technical Committee, via the Affiliation Officer.

Administration of the ZSKA
The ZSKA has a National Administration Office.

Information for club members
Information is sent regularly to ZSKA clubs. This includes minutes of Executive and General Meetings, lists of events and various memos. The club members will have access to this information through the club secretary, club notice boards and bulletins etc.

Further information
Further information can be obtained from the ZSKA Officers .
For more information see our Contact us on 0121 233 2577 www.zen-shin.co.uk.

KyoShi John Richards ::

Zen-Shin (the pure mind school) consists of several classes located throughout the West Midlands. The Zen-Shin centre (main dojo and association headquarters) relocated to St George's post 16 centre in 1996 and was opened on the 9th of September by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.


Zen-Shin is a member of the EKF of which Sensei is an Executive Officer. The EKF (English, Karate Federation) is the only governing body recognised by the sports council.

Zen-Shin has created quite a few champions in it's time and new champions are being formed all the time. Whether it's competition you are after or self defence Zen-Shin produces outstanding karateka in all areas

Zen-Shin has the following aims and objectives

1. Zen-Shin promotes the sport and practice of Karate in the true sense of Martial arts. To organise, regulate and control the sport and practice of Karate.
2. To affiliate, assist and co-operate with and support national and international organisations having objectives approved by the E.K.F.
3. To provide members with such service and support as may be available through their membership of the Zen-Shin Shotokan Karate Association.